DECISION of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate

At its meeting on 01Jun2016, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Bulgarian Patriarchate, extensive discussions were held on issues related to the convening of the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church, 16 to 26 June 2016 in Crete.

The following discussions, important considerations, and reasons were raised:

1) The lack of an agenda for the Great Council is of particular importance for Holy Orthodoxy, to detail topics that have contemporary relevance and require timely resolution by a Great and Holy Council;

2) To date there have been declarations by the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches disagreeingon some of the texts already approved for the Great and Holy Council;

3) According to the already adopted regulations for the conduct of the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church, there will be no ability to edit texts in the course of work of the council;

4) The proposed location of the Primate of the Orthodox churches in the room provided for meetings of the council violates the principle of equality for the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches;

5) The location of observers and guests of the Council is inappropriate;

6) The structure of the Council imposes upon the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate the need to undertake large and unjustified financial expenses to participate in the council;

Therefore, the vote of the Holy Synod unanimously DECIDED as follows:

I.) We urge that the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church, 16 to 26 June 2016 be postponed, with preparations for implementing it at a later date to continue;

II.) Should the Great and Holy Council not be postponed as in I.) above, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church - BP categorically states its decision to opt-out of work scheduled for the 16 to 26 June 2016 Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church